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The Valley Press

Obituary Notices and Memorials

McBRIDE, Straud, Jr.
McBRIDE, Straud, Jr. Born at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles, California on April 18, 1924. He left us on January 26, 2013, untying his bow line one last time to leave the safety of the harbor in favor of sailing into the open sea, headed for distant shores. As his family and friends bade him farewell and bon voyage, a large contingent of other family and friends, having made the journey before him, stood together to welcome and embrace him as he made his transition to the other side. After a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer, Straud opted to take Gods hand as he launched off on his latest adventure. Straud is survived by his three children from his first marriage to JoAnna Gregory; Sheldon, Eldon and Terry and their respective families: also, his wife of 46 years Elizabeth McBride, her four daughters and their respective families. Straud was revered by his children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren, not to mention the many, many people he befriended over his 88 years. Straud served his country for over 30 years in the U.S. Air Force, fashion- ing a career that was a combination of active and reservist duty. He was an accomplished navigator, flying thousands of hours on Air Force search and rescue aircraft. During the Vietnam War, he flew numerous missions in and out of Vietnam, transporting wounded veterans on Med- Evac flights back to the United States for medical treatment. He retired from the Air Force having attained the rank of Lt. Colonel. Straud grew up in Palmdale, California and worked for 34 years for the U.S. Postal Service. When he retired from the Postal Service and the Air Force in 1979, he said '...Im goin fishing'... and he was serious. He immediately bought a fishing boat, rigged it for long-line salmon fishing and enjoyed a long and satisfying retirement doing what he loved well into his 80s. When they werent on the boat, he and Betty drove countless miles in their motor home(s) (they wore out two), exploring the continental United States and Mexico. Weep not for me my family and friends/ Though I have left I am not gone/ Well meet again one day, I know we will/ When the distant shore beckons as surely it will/ Give me a wave and a smile as I help you ashore/ Weep not for me my family and friends/ Let loose the rope that ties you down/ And know with certainty that your new life begins/Celebrate with me a life well-lived/ Youve each been a blessing I shall never forget. Services Pending.